Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) at Skagit Valley College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$43,072

76th percentile

40th percentile in Washington

Est. Median Debt

$18,220

Est. from WA median (7 programs)

Analysis

Skagit Valley College's allied health program produces first-year earnings of $43,072—solidly above the national median but squarely in the middle of Washington's competitive landscape. That places graduates well ahead of three-quarters of similar programs nationwide, yet behind most of the state's top performers, where earnings range from $44,573 to over $58,000. The program's estimated debt load of $18,220, based on comparable associate programs in Washington, translates to a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would need about five months of gross income to cover their borrowing.

The practical reality: this program delivers reliable outcomes without exceptional earnings growth. At just above the state median, graduates enter a healthcare job market that values these credentials but pays more at other institutions nearby. However, the relatively modest debt burden—roughly $1,400 below the state median—offers meaningful protection if a graduate needs time to find the right position or faces any income interruption.

For families prioritizing stability over standout earnings, this represents a reasonable investment in healthcare employment. The program won't catapult graduates to the top of Washington's allied health field, but the combination of above-national earnings and below-state-average debt creates genuine breathing room for young workers establishing their careers.

Where Skagit Valley College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Skagit Valley College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Washington (29 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Skagit Valley CollegeMount Vernon	$5,620	$43,072	—	$18,220*	—
Tacoma Community CollegeTacoma	$4,920	$58,382	$64,947	$18,220*	0.31
Highline CollegeDes Moines	$4,623	$50,468	$41,572	$7,197*	0.14
Spokane Falls Community CollegeSpokane	$4,058	$47,797	$43,444	$21,000*	0.44
Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland	$5,156	$45,385	$39,641	$20,335*	0.45
Whatcom Community CollegeBellingham	$5,146	$44,573	$40,006	$19,660*	0.44
National Median	—	$36,862	—	$19,825*	0.54

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Skagit Valley College, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 13 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.